It is the result of the healing process that occurs when cuts and bleeding occur on the surface of the skin. Even the most innocent scratch can break through the top layers and trigger the process. Protected by the scab, the injured skin rebuilds slowly. Depending on the damage, regeneration can take up to a few weeks to complete. Check it step by step
– (Ligia Duque and Luiz Iria/)
1) if the lesion breaks the upper layers of the skin (average depth of 4 mm), the vessels are cut and blood gushes. One of the components of blood, platelets, is deposited on the edge of the wound, starting the process of rebuilding the skin.
– (Ligia Duque and Luiz Iria/)
two) Within minutes, the fibrin protein also accumulates in the injured region. It mixes with the platelets until stop the bleeding. Hence, the cone, which is nothing more than clotted blood mixed with fibrin and platelets, begins to form. Experts are unanimous in saying that it is not recommended to poke the scab, which can delay the healing process.
– (Ligia Duque and Luiz Iria/)
3) While the shell hardens, the wound is invaded by another blood component: white blood cells, which destroy impurities lodged in the wound, such as bacteria. Blood flow increases, generating heat and pain. And the inflammationwhich leaves a red border around the wound.
– (Ligia Duque and Luiz Iria/)
4) White blood cells kill dirt, but leave the rest lying around. to do the cleaning, macrophages appear, a type of cell that “swallows up” other dead cells (including those in broken skin). The flow of blood continues intense and causes a slight swelling.
– (Ligia Duque and Luiz Iria/)
5) A regeneration, which lasts up to two weeks, is the job of the fibroblasts. These cells are rich in collagen, which helps «bind» the new layer of skin that is forming. The process starts from top to bottom. That’s why, at this stage, the shell starts to fall off.
– (Ligia Duque and Luiz Iria/)
6) The regenerated piece never looks the same as the original. Sometimes it can form a scar, with skin tone or texture slightly different from the rest. This is normal, as the cut killed the original skin, which had to be redone from scratch.
Tips for caring for a wound
It’s not because the body decontaminates the wound that you should neglect. To disinfect superficial wounds, soap and water are enough. Already the serious ones, which reach muscles and even bones, need medical follow-up. But “the initial recommendation is to apply dressings, regardless of the type of wound”, says Francisco Paschoal, coordinator of the dermatological surgery department at the Brazilian Society of Dermatology. The dressing prevents the wound from drying out, accelerating the healing process, and also reduces contact with external infectious agents.
CONSULTANCY Francisco Paschoal, coordinator of the dermatological surgery department of the Brazilian Society of Dermatology
SOURCES Article Wound Biology and Healingby MF Tazima, YA Vicente and T. Moriya (UPS Ribeirão Preto) and SUPERINTERESSANTE magazine